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Mystic is going to be a lot more interesting to them than Newport. In addition to Mystic Seaport there is an Aquarium and other attractions. I would spend two nights there, then maybe have lunch in Newport on the way to the Vineyard ferry. You can take the drive through the mansion area and around the harbor, but the Thames Street downtown area is insane in the summer.

In addition to the beaches, your friends will certainly take you to the carousel and the cottage colony in Oak Bluffs. In addition, Gay Head and Menemsha are extremely cool places at the other end of the island.

You will ride a big ferry to get there. Take them on the tiny Chappaquidick ferry from Edgartown for contrast.

Allow LOTS of time to get to the ferry. You have to park in Falmouth and take a shuttle to Woods Hole. This is the most popular time of year, so traffic will be heavy on the way.

Well we will have to wing parking when we explore on the island staying in the Vineyard Haven area and I know we will want to explore. Two families not always on the same schedule so the car will be used.